Union

Today is the last day the transfer window is open so it is only fitting that a flurry of rumors about possible last minute signings should appear. The Brotherly Game has picked up on a report in Colombian paper El Pais linking 20-year old Deportivo Cali striker Andres Ramiro “Manga” Escobar with both the Portland Timbers and the Union. Some further digging reveals that acquiring the 20-year old could be expensive. More translation of the El Pais article at MLS Rumors.com seems to suggest no offer from any MLS club had been received by Escobar’s representatives as of Thursday. At least, with today being deadline day for transfers, this rumor will shortly be either a fact or a memory.

The Union are as aware as you are that they’ve been lucky more than a few times this season. Jordan Harvey tells CSNPhilly.com, “Knock on wood, we are getting some breaks this year. I don’t want to jinx anything. We need to stay focused. We know we are going to give up some goals during the season. We’re going to have some bad games, too. We just have to try to stay consistent—that’s the main thing in this league. We still have a lot of room for improvement, offensively and defensively, and hopefully we’ll hit our stride.”

In the same article, Danny Califf says, “But I think we’ve gotten the results that haven’t been the prettiest and we haven’t played our best soccer. For us, we’re still trying to find our feet and find a way to play a better game. We have enough experience in the locker room that everyone feels like we haven’t won anything yet and we haven’t proven anything yet.”

Jordan Harvey tells MLSsoccer.com, “I think we have a great defense—one of best in the league. The stats so far have shown that. And I think our play defensively has shown that.”

Amobi Okugo made a strong case that he deserves to start for the Union with his play against the Energy Drinks. “I can’t say enough about his performance,” said John Hackworth. “He came in off the bench cold, stepped in, and was invaluable.” With Brian Carroll’s status uncertain, Okugo’s chances of getting a start can only have increased.

Okugo praises the Union coaching staff. “I think the staff here does a great, great job of repeating the basics about preparing, being ready, staying in the game. In this league, you never know what can happen. I found that out. I was mentally and physically prepared to go in. I think the staff has done it right keeping us in it.”

Kerith Gabriel of the Daily News talks to Roger Torres. “When I come on now, the [opposition] is a little bit tired which is good for me. I get more space, which makes the game easier for me, because I have more time to put [the] ball to my teammates. In Colombia, the game is more tactics, and it’s easier, because you have more space. Here, the game is very intense and focused and much more physical. I know I am not very strong, so to be [effective], I need to make the most out of the time I get on the ball.”

In the Torres article, Peter Nowak says, “We really tried to learn from our mistakes from last year when it comes to Roger. Last year if you recall, he started six, seven games for us, and it really took a toll on him, so we had to change our approach. We needed to work on him so that he wasn’t frustrated. I think this year has helped improve his confidence immensely. Every time he’s come into the game for us, he’s given us a boost, whether as a starter or now as a sub. His level of confidence now is bigger and better.”

Carlos Ruiz loves Philly and Philly fans. “Having the chance to come to Philadelphia was an easy decision because of the organization and the passionate fan base. They’re like me. I think we’re the same.”

Don Garber addressed concerns about the quality of refereeing in MLS, saying, “I think there have been some inconsistencies in how that has been managed over the last couple of weeks.” He then responded to players and coaches going public with their criticism by saying, “I think it means that we’re a proper league…Here we are in the first month of the season, and losing three points in the minds of a player or coach because they think the officials took those points away, that really matters to them.” He then added, “Nobody wins if we try to bring disrepute to our overall business. As emotionally challenging as that self-control is, it’s in everybody’s best interests to keep their feelings to themselves.”

Speaking of Canada, FIFA has threatened the Canadian Soccer Association with sanctions and a possible suspension. Internal strife at the Alberta Soccer Association has led to some of the disputants seeking redress in the Canadian courts. FIFA doesn’t like it if its members use actual legal bodies to settle disputes, hence the threats. While much will happen before FIFA’s threats of sanctions and suspension become a reality, if the CSA was suspended, Canadian MLS teams (I believe) would be suspended from league play.

Author: Ed Farnsworth
Ed used to play drums. A lot. Now he's managing editor of PSP. He likes researching Philadelphia soccer history. A lot. Email him at efarnsworth@phillysoccerpage.com. Follow him on Twitter @FarnsworthPSP.